Investigators have linked a bird strike to the tragic crash of a Jeju Air jet, now prompting further examination of both the aircraft and surrounding structures.
Bird Strike Evidence Found in Jeju Air Crash Investigation
Bird Strike Evidence Found in Jeju Air Crash Investigation
New findings reveal bird strikes contributed to deadly South Korea aviation disaster.
The investigation into the devastating Jeju Air plane crash on December 29, which claimed 179 lives, has revealed critical evidence of a bird strike before the incident. Preliminary reports unveiled feathers and blood from the Baikal teal, a migratory bird, found in both engines of the ill-fated Boeing 737-800.
As the inquiry progresses, aviation authorities are closely examining the implications of this discovery, along with scrutinizing the concrete structure that the plane collided with during its emergency landing. Just before the accident, the flight had departed from Bangkok and was in its final approach to Muan International Airport when the crew was alerted to "bird activity."
Only minutes after this advisory, the aircraft struck a bird at 08:59, triggering immediate distress as the pilot declared a mayday. Attempting an emergency landing without functioning landing gear, the jet overran the runway and exploded upon impact with the concrete structure designed to support navigation.
Previous findings indicated that critical flight data and cockpit recordings ceased four minutes prior to the disaster. Experts reviewing the crash have raised concerns about the utility of the existing concrete barriers. They argue that the casualty count may have been significantly lower had these structures not been in place.
The concrete obstacle houses a localiser system aiding aircraft in their landing procedures, a design replicated in various airports throughout South Korea and abroad. In response to this tragedy, authorities have committed to revising the barrier systems at seven airports and reevaluating runway safety protocols.
The preliminary findings are being shared with international aviation agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing safety measures across the global aviation landscape.
As the inquiry progresses, aviation authorities are closely examining the implications of this discovery, along with scrutinizing the concrete structure that the plane collided with during its emergency landing. Just before the accident, the flight had departed from Bangkok and was in its final approach to Muan International Airport when the crew was alerted to "bird activity."
Only minutes after this advisory, the aircraft struck a bird at 08:59, triggering immediate distress as the pilot declared a mayday. Attempting an emergency landing without functioning landing gear, the jet overran the runway and exploded upon impact with the concrete structure designed to support navigation.
Previous findings indicated that critical flight data and cockpit recordings ceased four minutes prior to the disaster. Experts reviewing the crash have raised concerns about the utility of the existing concrete barriers. They argue that the casualty count may have been significantly lower had these structures not been in place.
The concrete obstacle houses a localiser system aiding aircraft in their landing procedures, a design replicated in various airports throughout South Korea and abroad. In response to this tragedy, authorities have committed to revising the barrier systems at seven airports and reevaluating runway safety protocols.
The preliminary findings are being shared with international aviation agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing safety measures across the global aviation landscape.
